I hope winter is treating you all kindly.
The new year is a natural time for embracing something new, or committing ourselves to something that is important to us. Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word that means to imagine unifying that which might be fragmented. It is a yogic practice of intention, where we imagine our heartfelt desire as being actualized. It's the first step of the yoga nidra practice. Whether your hope is for health, peace or enlightenment, if it were true for you, how would it feel in your body if it were realized? What would life look like?
The new session will be starting on January 5th until February 23rd. It has been nearly a month since I taught and I am very much looking forward to resuming the classes.
What to expect?
We begin by centering ourselves, checking in and opening our senses. Then we will do some breathwork (pranayama) and mudra (hand gestures to stimulate subtle sensations). Part of the class is spent with the body in slow mindful movements, where we learn to welcome all the sensations and experiences we encounter. Participants will be in a comfortable relaxation position for the bulk of the class. You will be encouraged to move your attention throughout the body and to become attuned with the breath in its natural state. Feelings, emotions and beliefs will come and go, and an attitude of welcoming awareness is encouraged. Many people report experiencing a deep acceptance, relaxation and peace. By welcoming all that is changing, we can sometimes glimpse that in us that is unchanging.
Experience the power of truly subtle yoga with this meditative session. The focus is on intention and subtle sensation through the most gentle of movements and deep relaxation (yoga nidra). Your eyes will be closed for much of the class to draw your attention inward. Guests may find themselves profoundly attuned to the energies within their bodies after this class, combined with a powerful feeling of restfulness and heightened awareness.
You will find this class accessible no matter your range of movement and can even be practiced from a chair.
Contact Be Yoga for registration
474 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 3K6 | Tel: 204.415.6880
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The value of holding postures (asana)
By encouraging longer holding of asana, I direct the student to welcome in (without clinging or resisting) whatever sensations, emotions, thoughts, judgments, beliefs..., and for them to recognize the coming and going of it all. I will suggest the sensations/experiences that are common while holding a particular asana, and encourage the student to be aware of what's present for them moment to moment. If they can cultivate Presence, an understanding of the impermanence of all experience and find a quality of ease in intense circumstances such as a longer holding of asana, those 'skills' might extend into their lives, so that they learn to meet, greet and welcome whatever arises in their lives, without resistance, without attachment, recognizing the ever changing nature of phenomena. I am guiding my students to be the welcoming awareness in which all phenomena arise, unfold and dissolve.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Chocolate Meditation
A meditation practice I taught today:
Drop every memory you have of chocolate (if you need to, imagine you've never tasted/seen/smelled it before like a young child again, or an alien visiting). Then hold a small piece of chocolate in your hand, feel its weight, its texture, let the scent enter your nose and body such that you cannot find where you end and the aroma begins. Then bring it to your mouth, hold it between your teeth, let your tongue barely touch it, and savour every moment, letting it melt and merge with your mouth, without reference to past/future or any thoughts you have about chocolate. PS- you can replace chocolate for any other food for this exercise. There are also a number of similar techniques for the other senses.
Drop every memory you have of chocolate (if you need to, imagine you've never tasted/seen/smelled it before like a young child again, or an alien visiting). Then hold a small piece of chocolate in your hand, feel its weight, its texture, let the scent enter your nose and body such that you cannot find where you end and the aroma begins. Then bring it to your mouth, hold it between your teeth, let your tongue barely touch it, and savour every moment, letting it melt and merge with your mouth, without reference to past/future or any thoughts you have about chocolate. PS- you can replace chocolate for any other food for this exercise. There are also a number of similar techniques for the other senses.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
As the practice continues
I'm still teaching the Be at Ease class at Be Yoga on St. Mary's Road. It really has become my baby of sorts.
I am so thrilled to be able to share the iRest yoga nidra practice that has so enriched my own life. I've had students who've never meditated, never done yoga, who come out of the class, with a really deep understanding about themselves, or who have a profound healing experience, even out of body experiences. Of course, every student is different, every class is a little different.
But what is always offered is a sanctuary of sorts, where someone can come in and not have to do anything, where they can just be. There's always an inner excavation, unravelling and revealing the sensations, emotions, thoughts and beliefs that are constantly coming and going in our lives. What I most want to support, though, is for each student to glimpse at that mysterious something in them that is unchanging. That is at peace no matter what life is presenting. That's why I so love this practice.
October 27th will be the last class of an 8 week session. A 6 week session will be starting on November 3rd. We do need confirmed registration from a minimum of 4 participants in order to proceed.
For the time being, I am not teaching the 5:30pm Wednesday Be Yoga class (hatha flow). For information about Be Yoga, check out their site: www.beyoga.ca
I am so thrilled to be able to share the iRest yoga nidra practice that has so enriched my own life. I've had students who've never meditated, never done yoga, who come out of the class, with a really deep understanding about themselves, or who have a profound healing experience, even out of body experiences. Of course, every student is different, every class is a little different.
But what is always offered is a sanctuary of sorts, where someone can come in and not have to do anything, where they can just be. There's always an inner excavation, unravelling and revealing the sensations, emotions, thoughts and beliefs that are constantly coming and going in our lives. What I most want to support, though, is for each student to glimpse at that mysterious something in them that is unchanging. That is at peace no matter what life is presenting. That's why I so love this practice.
October 27th will be the last class of an 8 week session. A 6 week session will be starting on November 3rd. We do need confirmed registration from a minimum of 4 participants in order to proceed.
For the time being, I am not teaching the 5:30pm Wednesday Be Yoga class (hatha flow). For information about Be Yoga, check out their site: www.beyoga.ca
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Yoga Nidra workshop at Falcon Lake
Enrich your yoga practice!
During this day long workshop, we will explore iRest yoga nidra, mudra, subtle pranayama, and mantra, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the chakras. We will be exploring the subtler aspects of yoga, using asana as one of many practices, to uncover the ground of Being that underlies our physical, energetic, emotional, cognitive and personal qualities.
South Moon Studio will be hosting this event. Please email me at yoganidra204@gmail.com if you have any questions. Call Chrissy at 204-426-2367 to register.
During this day long workshop, we will explore iRest yoga nidra, mudra, subtle pranayama, and mantra, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the chakras. We will be exploring the subtler aspects of yoga, using asana as one of many practices, to uncover the ground of Being that underlies our physical, energetic, emotional, cognitive and personal qualities.
South Moon Studio will be hosting this event. Please email me at yoganidra204@gmail.com if you have any questions. Call Chrissy at 204-426-2367 to register.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Yoga Classes at Be Yoga Studio on Wednesday evenings
I am now teaching 2 Wednesday evening yoga classes at Be Yoga.
Be Yoga is located at 474 St. Mary's Road (2 doors South from Loona Rossa restaurant, at Morier). It is an elegant and intimate studio overlooking the river.
Your first class is $ 5 during February and March!
Here are the class descriptions:
Be Yoga Wednesday at 5:30pm
Be Yoga classes are subtly physical. You are invited to be present, be real and be at ease with who you are during this continuous flow. By placing a focus on breath and body link sequences throughout the practice, you’ll discover the pleasure of bringing the breath, body and mind into unison.
You’ll soon find that no two classes are the same, but each class brings you a little closer to inner peace. Perfection is not the goal. We won’t bend like pretzels or soak our mats with sweat. Physical fitness is only one part of the holistic wellness yoga can deliver.
Be Yoga classes are open to everyone.
Be At Ease Wednesday at 7pm
Experience the power of truly subtle yoga with this restorative session. The focus is on intention and subtle sensation through the most gentle of movements and deep relaxation. Your eyes will be closed for much of the class to draw your attention inward.
Guests may find themselves profoundly attuned to the energies within their bodies after this class, combined with a powerful feeling of restfulness.
You will find this class accessible no matter your range of movement and can even be practiced from a chair.
If you have further questions, contact Be Yoga.
Be Yoga 474 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 3K6 (204) 415-6880 info@beyoga.ca www.beyoga.ca
Be Yoga is located at 474 St. Mary's Road (2 doors South from Loona Rossa restaurant, at Morier). It is an elegant and intimate studio overlooking the river.
Your first class is $ 5 during February and March!
Here are the class descriptions:
Be Yoga Wednesday at 5:30pm
Be Yoga classes are subtly physical. You are invited to be present, be real and be at ease with who you are during this continuous flow. By placing a focus on breath and body link sequences throughout the practice, you’ll discover the pleasure of bringing the breath, body and mind into unison.
You’ll soon find that no two classes are the same, but each class brings you a little closer to inner peace. Perfection is not the goal. We won’t bend like pretzels or soak our mats with sweat. Physical fitness is only one part of the holistic wellness yoga can deliver.
Be Yoga classes are open to everyone.
Be At Ease Wednesday at 7pm
Experience the power of truly subtle yoga with this restorative session. The focus is on intention and subtle sensation through the most gentle of movements and deep relaxation. Your eyes will be closed for much of the class to draw your attention inward.
Guests may find themselves profoundly attuned to the energies within their bodies after this class, combined with a powerful feeling of restfulness.
You will find this class accessible no matter your range of movement and can even be practiced from a chair.
If you have further questions, contact Be Yoga.
Be Yoga 474 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 3K6 (204) 415-6880 info@beyoga.ca www.beyoga.ca
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What do you wish to take your practice?
I teach a variety of yoga classes:
1. Holistic hatha yoga session: This practice includes centering, pranayama (breath and energy practices), asana (postures), relaxation (iRest yoga nidra) and meditation.
2. Beyond asana sessions: We incorporate the aspects of the basic asana class (see above) and incorporate mudra (hand gestures), mantra (chanting and sound), chakra awareness (psycho-emotional-energetic centres in the body). Often the eyes will be closed through much of the session to deepen awareness within the body and self.
3. Yoga Therapy sessions. This practice includes any/all of the above techniques to uncover harmony in the physical body, emotional body, beliefs. I will cater to the needs of the client to find the most appropriate asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra, meditation, iRest yoga nidra relaxation and guided imagery practices.
4. Guided iRest yoga nidra restoration sessions. iRest yoga nidra is practiced in a restful position. The practice includes setting your intention, sensing the body, exploring the breath, internal inquiry into physical, emotional or mental habits. As these aspects become integrated, the mind quiets, and we uncover an ease of being.
5. iRest yoga nidra interactive sessions. This is a practice where we body sensing (not movement) as a way to inquire within. It's a powerful and interactive practice for working with/through 'blocks' (physical (including pain), emotions, limiting beliefs to uncover a ground of being that is untouched by all of life's circumstances.
Each one-on-one session is $40 per person. The holistic hatha yoga, beyond asana, yoga therapy and guided iRest yoga nidra sessions can be taught to up to 4 people ($40 can be divided amongst participants).
Mornings and evenings (Monday or Tuesdays) are ideal for me, though I am willing to be creative to find a time that works for both of us.
I offer my classes at La Parfumerie in Wolseley (145 Evanson St).
Jake
1. Holistic hatha yoga session: This practice includes centering, pranayama (breath and energy practices), asana (postures), relaxation (iRest yoga nidra) and meditation.
2. Beyond asana sessions: We incorporate the aspects of the basic asana class (see above) and incorporate mudra (hand gestures), mantra (chanting and sound), chakra awareness (psycho-emotional-energetic centres in the body). Often the eyes will be closed through much of the session to deepen awareness within the body and self.
3. Yoga Therapy sessions. This practice includes any/all of the above techniques to uncover harmony in the physical body, emotional body, beliefs. I will cater to the needs of the client to find the most appropriate asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra, meditation, iRest yoga nidra relaxation and guided imagery practices.
4. Guided iRest yoga nidra restoration sessions. iRest yoga nidra is practiced in a restful position. The practice includes setting your intention, sensing the body, exploring the breath, internal inquiry into physical, emotional or mental habits. As these aspects become integrated, the mind quiets, and we uncover an ease of being.
5. iRest yoga nidra interactive sessions. This is a practice where we body sensing (not movement) as a way to inquire within. It's a powerful and interactive practice for working with/through 'blocks' (physical (including pain), emotions, limiting beliefs to uncover a ground of being that is untouched by all of life's circumstances.
Each one-on-one session is $40 per person. The holistic hatha yoga, beyond asana, yoga therapy and guided iRest yoga nidra sessions can be taught to up to 4 people ($40 can be divided amongst participants).
Mornings and evenings (Monday or Tuesdays) are ideal for me, though I am willing to be creative to find a time that works for both of us.
I offer my classes at La Parfumerie in Wolseley (145 Evanson St).
Jake
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